The Winged Watchman

The Winged Watchman

The Winged Watchman, by Hilda Van Stockum, transports the reader to Holland in the 1940s. World War II is raging; Holland is occupied by the German army, and life for the Dutch people is very difficult. Fourteen-year-old Dirk Jan Verhagen and his ten-year-old brother, Joris, plan and carry out dangerous but successful scheme against the enemy. During this time, their family, like other Dutch, Families, makes great sacrifices. Amid the turbulence, the Verhagen boys and their family display bravery, cleverness, patriotism, and a firm belief in God.

Joris and Dirk Jan Verhagen are very brave and clever in dealing with the daily difficulties of living under German occupation. Joris and Dirk Jan, for example, are brave enough to sail in the dark to bring Charles, the wanted Aviator, in their house while a German was running after them. They also have a clever idea about Charles having a disguise so he can go out to the public without getting caught by the Germans.Therefore, the two brothers are fearless and smart.  

  In addition to the daily survival concerns, Joris and Dirk Jan help in the struggle for their country’s freedom. They help the American and English soldiers get the food and shelters they needed. They also steal the items that the Germans' need during the war. For those example, Joris and Dirk Jan helps in Holland.

The Verhagen rely on God and depend on the practice of their Catholic faith to provide for their family. For example, The Verhagen pray that the Nazis won't kill them if they saw Charlie inside their house. They also pray that God will support them in their practice of their Catholic faith. Overall, the Verhagen family are relying and depending on God.

It is obvious from the lives of the Verhagen family that daily survival and resting the Germans require cleverness, bravery, patriotism, and faith. The Verhagen shows the reader that they did all they can to help in the war. The Winged Watchman is about being helpful to others and always having trust in God.

By: Joaquin M. Samson

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